Heathrow Passport Control

[BlackWolf 2]

The last time I went to visit my husband (who was at the time my boyfriend) it was in April, 2012 and it was the first time I was meeting him in person. The woman who took my passport was very suspicious of me and asked me a load of questions and I honestly thought I was going to be denied entry but, reluctantly, she let me thru. I am a US citizen and my husband is a British Citizen. We are still awaiting our NOA2 but I am headed to England to stay with him for 2 months. I have a letter from my current employer stating that I am taking my vacation days to go to England and will have my job when I get back. I also own a small business, which I will be bringing my business license as proof of that along with my car registration, proof that I have a child in the US whom I fully support (she will be staying with her father and my sister while I am gone) as well as proof that I can support myself while I am in the UK. My mother in law is also writing a letter stating that she will be responsible for my stay in the UK and will provide full room and board for me. We do not lie and never have lied when we have gone thru passport control and I do not plan on lying when I enter the UK in December but when they ask what the reason for my visit is, I plan on saying 'i am visiting family for the holidays'. I have my in laws and husband number and they already are fully aware of all the ####### I had to go thru last time coming into the country so they are prepared to receive a phone call from border patrol if they require it.

Anyways, my question is, do you think I have anything to worry about when coming back to the UK? I will have about $1,000 with me to support myself while I am there since I am staying with his mom and dad. I also, of course, have my return ticket. Is there any advice you all could give me? I just don't want a repeat of last time, I will never forget that.

Thanks

Denise

[TBoneTX 45,299]

*** Thread moved from CR-1 Process forum to U.K. regional subforum -- questions are not immigration-related and are country-specific. ***

[mrettercap 24]

My fiancee had this issue. She was grilled; luckily, she brought a letter from her employer and all of the visa paperwork.

As soon as she said we were waiting for a VISA for me to immigrate to the US, she was waved through. The guy wasn't interested in looking once he knew she didn't want to stay.

So, my advice is: mention the fact that you're applying for a visa for him to come to the US and you're just visiting in the meantime as soon as you can.

Edited October 23, 2012 by mrettercap

[BlackWolf 2]

Thanks for that! I was wondering what it was going to be like when I told them that my husband has a visa petition in the works atm. Any other input is appreciated!

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

Thanks for that! I was wondering what it was going to be like when I told them that my husband has a visa petition in the works atm. Any other input is appreciated!

Carry the NOA1. They'll like that.

[mrettercap 24]

Carry the NOA1. They'll like that.

Yeah, when she came to visit me she brought the binder full of proof just because I need it here with me for the interview, so we had the whole petition plus more recent proofs if they wanted to look at it.

That's probably a bit overkill, though. NOA1 should suffice.

[FastTrack 3]

The most important thing is that you have a return ticket....and your prrof of being able to support yourself while there... If you show them that they most likely wont care about the rest... If you dont show them a return ticket(itinerary/receipt) they will put you through hell... I arrived at Heathrow in late june with intention to leave in 3 months, but wasnt sure exactly when... so I didnt buy return ticket... Long story short, I was held for 4 hours, interviewed, fingerprinted, photographed, luggage searched, documents checked... they eventually let me through, but it was not an experience I would like to have again!!!

[BlackWolf 2]

Im glad you all told me to carry the NOA1 with me because I wouldn't have thought to do that. I just hope it is easier than last time because it would be terrible to be grilled again.

[BlackWolf 2]

Do you think a letter from my husband would be something that I could include. Sort of like a letter of invitation? I have the NOA1 stuff with me now, and once we get the NOA2, which will hopefully be soon, then I will have that too. Ugh, I just REALLY don't want to be grilled or detained when I get there. I mean, I know people stay for a lot longer than I am staying but still...I want to make sure I have everything that I need

[TracyTN 237]

I personally think proof of the pending visa (plus everything else you described) is enough. The visa stuff alone proves you have no intent to stay.

[Damian&Kelly 16]

I brought a letter from my then fiance and his parents saying they'd support me if needs be. It was just in case. The thing they always liked seeing (other then return ticket) was my letter from my employer saying when I was returning to work. But I think you have plenty of proof you'll be returning.

But as for the NOA1, I showed it and the woman in immigration had no idea what it was. I tried to explain and she got annoyed with me and just said "leave in 2 weeks as you plan!" I know on my first trip, they held me for 2 hours and gave me a hard time and said to bring an itinerary next time. So I went out of my way and wrote down everything I planned to do on every other trip, never needed it but that's what they asked for.

[BlackWolf 2]

I'm just worried because I will be staying there for almost 2 months. I already have a letter from my employer lined up, my business license from the business I own here in the US, my college enrollment papers stating I am a current student in good standing, etc. Ugh, I just realllly hope I don't get detained. I have anxiety and I think I would completely freak out if I had to be detained. I mean, my in laws are writing a letter as well. It's just that I really want them to be like 'ok' and waive me thru. although I know that probably wouldn't happen, at least I would be prepared if it did....ugh, Im really not looking forward to passport control...

[mrettercap 24]

I'm just worried because I will be staying there for almost 2 months. I already have a letter from my employer lined up, my business license from the business I own here in the US, my college enrollment papers stating I am a current student in good standing, etc. Ugh, I just realllly hope I don't get detained. I have anxiety and I think I would completely freak out if I had to be detained. I mean, my in laws are writing a letter as well. It's just that I really want them to be like 'ok' and waive me thru. although I know that probably wouldn't happen, at least I would be prepared if it did....ugh, Im really not looking forward to passport control...

My fiancee stayed for 2 months both times she came. They grilled her about her company, her boss, why her company would let her come over for so long, her fiancee, etc -- until she told them about the visa. As soon as it came out, the border official was like, oh, okay, go right on through. Have fun!

[BlackWolf 2]

Awesome. That sorta puts my mind at ease a bit then I am only coming with a carry on sized suitcase full of clothes and a large suitcase that will be checked that is going to be basically empty except for some christmas presents. That is so I can cram a lot of his stuff into it and take it back with me so we don't have to keep paying for multiple checked bags.

[ilovemypants 6]

My fiance had the same trouble on his first visit to me, we are currently planning on him coming here again for my birthday and have been so worried about having trouble again he almost didn't get in the first time and the thought of him being in my country and not getting to hold him is unbearable! I am so glad I found this thread, has put my mind at rest a little too Thanks for posting all this info guys and cheers to the OP for posting this query!! <3

good luck to you all! <3